This weekend is another BIG Christmas Shopping Weekend on QVC and I was just wondering if you’ve started yours yet? I’ve mentioned in previous years that I usually leave mine until after my son’s birthday, on 27th November, however I may just be tempted to start early this year.

Not only do we have the fabulous Christmas Today’s Special Value from Elemis on Sunday, which I shall talk about in a minute, we also have Butler & Wilson fashion jewellery tomorrow afternoon at 3pm. I had to laugh at the tweet Ali Young posted after she had taken a photo of the Butler & Wilson shop window:

It was all the funnier as they are supposed to be swans not witches! All in the eye of the beholder I guess!

After my show with Simon I have my first Radley show at 4pm. This range has been hugely popular since launching on QVC and there are lots of new bags and watches so I hope you can join me.

So, to the Elemis TSV on Sunday. It launches at midnight Saturday into Sunday but there will be a tease during the 10pm show on our main QVC channel. If you can’t wait up that late though, flick over to the QVC Beauty Channel (Sky 668, Freeview 35, and Freesat 801) for a full preview of this amazing Christmas offer from Elemis at 8pm with myself and Keeley.

Each collection has cleansing balm, apricot toner and pro collagen marine cream but then you have the choice with the body products of whether to go for the brand-new Sweet Orchid or firm favourite Frangipani…decisions, decisions! For a bit of fun, Elemis produced rosettes for us to wear. Which will you be, team Frangipani or team Sweet Orchid? I can’t make my mind up but Wilfie and Milo did!

Speaking of Wilfie, he was ‘helping’ me with the final proof reading of my new book earlier in the week. I wasn’t out of my dressing gown before midday on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and Wilfie loves the feel of the velour fabric. I was concentrating so hard on my manuscript that I didn’t even notice Chris taking this picture!!

It looks like Wilfie is checking my work. I finally uploaded the files on Wednesday so the kindle version is now available to pre-order. Check my Julia Roberts TV Facebook page for the link if you would like to. As promised here is an excerpt of the new book:

Philippe was slumped in one of the low leather chairs in Jo’s office, staring moodily out of the window, the bronze-tinted glass giving a muted impression of the brightness of the day. The UK was enjoying a mini heat-wave, with temperatures climbing into the low thirties but, on the fifth floor of Pelham Towers, the atmosphere was decidedly cool, and it wasn’t just down to the air conditioning.

Jo paced back and forth behind her desk, attempting to calm herself before speaking. She perched on the edge of her swivel chair, strategically adjusted to be several inches higher than the leather chair opposite to give her a feeling of superiority.

‘What the hell is wrong with you, Phil?’ she demanded. ‘I’ve got the phone ringing off the hook with people wanting you for chat shows, magazine features and book signings. I haven’t got time for all this. If you’re not going to play ball, you’ll have to get yourself an agent.’ She glared at him, waiting for a response but Philippe sat mute, with a sulky expression on his face. ‘Look,’ she said, trying to keep the irritation she felt out of her voice, ‘I’m negotiating six-figure sums for the film rights to Tiffany and you’re moping around like a love-struck adolescent. It’s pathetic. You’re pathetic. I’ve told you, with all this publicity she is bound to recognise you and she’ll get in touch, you mark my words.’

One or two of you have asked if you need to have read ‘Life’s a Beach and Then…‘ to make sense of the new book. The answer is, not necessarily. The sequel is a stand-alone book but is a continuation of Holly, Harry and Philippe’s story, but also introducing some new characters – one of my friends at work particularly likes Hugo!!

Thanks so much to those of you who were able to name my purple shrub pictured on last week’s blog as callicarpa, and to Joanna who mentioned it is sometimes called the beauty berry – very similar in colour to the Sweet Orchid option of the Elemis TSV. Also thanks to Heather for sending in this amazing picture of the sunset as viewed from her kitchen window – stunning!

Whilst on the subject on photos, here is the latest one of my niece, Rachel’s baby, Finlay, with big brother, Sam. They are both out for the count, which is what I will be tonight. I’m on a later shift than usual, not finishing until midnight so I’m hoping I can stay awake!

My first show tonight is Trinny and Susannah at 8pm, although I doubt Susannah will be joining us as she is one of the participants in this year’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, which starts broadcasting on Sunday … Australia is a long way away! Then I have Friday Night Beauty at 9pm and Judith Williams at 11pm – hope you can stay up with me.

Have a great weekend

much love

Julia xx

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10 Comments

Hi Julia,
I had to smile at the photo of you with Wilfie draped over your shoulders. When I used to get home from an arduous shift there was nothing I used to like more than to relax on my sofa with my cat Chloe draped around my neck! Its ridiculous how I miss that cat so much. She was my “baby” to me. I also had a Golden Retriever when I lived at home. He was an old softie and I missed him so much when I left home. Unfortunately I couldn’t take him with me.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to Butler and Wilson. I have a few of his pieces , mainly brooches. I ‘ve had so many compliments on my Owl brooch.
Well I’m still hoping that we will meet up at Morgans. I’ll be eagerly awaiting news from you.
I’ve started buying a few things for Christmas, mainly chocolates and biscuits. Every year I say I’m not going to buy so much as I always end up buying too many chocolates. I think I still had a tin of Quality Street left from last Christmas ’till recently!
Well, speak soon re: Morgans.
Take care, love Tina x

Hi Tina
I hope you enjoyed the Butler & Wilson show last Saturday and maybe even treated yourself?
As I sit writing to you Wilfie is sat at the other end of the table watching me – he must have known you were talking about him!
Here’s a funny thing. There is a golden retriever in my new book in one of the chapters that is set in Wales! His name is Ben.
Speaking of Wales, I am visiting with Daniel this weekend but won’t have time to organise anything at Morgan’s – we will do it, I promise.
Speak soon
Julia x

Hello Jean
I’m so pleased to hear that you are enjoying Life’s a Beach and Then… let me know your final verdict when you’ve finished it and maybe write me a review if you get a moment.
The Trinny and Susannah show was very popular – have you watched Susannah in the jungle? I think she is doing really well … so far!
I’m really happy to hear that most of your Christmas shopping has been done and all with us! I really must make a start soon.
The Elemis TSV was lovely but there is only so much beauty product you can stockpile because of the use by dates so you did the right thing.
Speak soon
Julia x

Hello Julia, Your blog was a box of goodies all of which I love – Elemis, B&W, Radley and cats, especially Wilfie being a scarf… The answer to your question is yes I have started my Christmas shopping, in fact I had got everything by the end of October and it is the same every year. I work in a school and the Autumn half term ends my all year shopping for Christmas… i have always been a “yuleoholic” and even during the most difficult times in my life it has filled me with joy. I know that people say that it is too commercial and has lost meaning but I can remember my mum saying that when I was in my teens so I ignore that statement and just wallow in all the season has to offer. The folding storage ottomans sold on the Q are filled with gifts and have even accommodated the gift wrap, I love the Bethlehem Lights on wires and my balloon dress is a festive season staple. I have also bought Diamonique earrings, Molton Brown sets and lanterns. Phew, exciting news about your latest book and I am looking forward to meeting up with your characters again. love from Jo x

Hello Jo
Thanks for your kind words about my blog – how nice was Katie, the Radley guest. She confessed to the floor manager that she is actually a QVC fan and she was thrilled to meet Simon Wilson as their shows were back to back.
I have some of the folding ottoman’s – the one in our bedroom is stuffed with beauty products!
Are you a paperback or Kindle girl Jo? Both are now showing available to pre-order on Amazon for publication on 25th November – I had actually put the paperback launch back to the 3rd of December as I was running a little late but it would seem it will be sent out early. I hope you’ll like this one as much as the first in the trilogy.
Love
Julia x

Hi Julia
Yes I have started my Christmas shopping, all from QVC as per. Well you make it so easy.
I have to laugh when they go on about giving Elemis though. No way could I give any of my Elemis away!! Well actually, I do keep my Mum supplied in Oxygenating Night Cream. She loves it. And I always have loads in my stash! It really was a super TSV. As you know I ended up with both. Love the new sweet orchid.
I know you got to see THAT promo!! I tell yer, I was hot under the collar all day! We needed the four minute warning before that one!!
You should have titled your blog ‘Pussies galore’, and No, I’m not being rude :-))). As if!!! I really love the one of Wilfie on your shoulder.
Will get Chris to download your new book this week. Looking forward to getting back into the plot.
I was thrilled to receive an invitation to the Beauty Bash on 20 January. Hope to see you there.
Love
Marian
xx

Hi Marian
It seems all you girls are way ahead of me when it comes to Christmas shopping! So pleased you like the new Sweet Orchid fragrance – my Chris has remarked about it several times after I’ve showered with it so it is a big hit with him!
Call me mean but I don’t think I could ever give away my oxygenating night cream, not even to my mum – actually she’s a massive Liz Earle fan so it’s not as mean as it sounds. I’ve been trying the pro intense night cream too over the past few months and I must say flip-flopping between the two really seems to suit my skin – lots of lovely compliments recently.
I hope you will enjoy the next episode of Holly and Harry’s life – I’m already busy with the final book in the trilogy.
I’m saying NOTHING about the hot man in the shower!
I haven’t been asked about the Beauty Bash yet but hopefully I will be there on one of the days (I’ll try for the 20th)
Love
Julia x